Huskers Take Crusader Classic Title

Richton Park, Ill- The top-ranked Nebraska bowling team finished as the overall champion of the Crusader Classic over the weekend, as the Huskers posted a total pinfall of 2,730 on Sunday at Lakewood Bowl to clinch the title.

As each day was calculated as a separate one-day event, the Huskers were the champions Friday and Saturday, and the runner-up on Sunday.

Overall, the Cornhuskers finished the weekend in first place with a 12-0 record and a total pinfall of 12,572. No. 20 Wisconsin Whitewater finished in second with an average of 12,129.

The individual results were highlighted by three Huskers in the top five finishers, and four in the top ten. Sophomore Raquel Orozco was named MVP of the tournament, as the player with the highest average of 214.6, the first tournament title of her career. Senior Kelly Belzeski came in close behind Orozco with her average of 208, good for third place. Senior Julia Bond finished in fourth place overall with her average of 200.00. All three were named to the all-tournament team.

Junior Meghan Straub‘s final average of 191.4 landed her in ninth place.

The Huskers started Sunday’s match play in five-game Baker format with a victory over Augustana, 975-875. The Huskers cruised to a victory over Alabama A&M in their next match, 877-691.

In their final match of the day, the Huskers beat Elmhurst by a score of 878-747.

The Huskers finished second on Sunday with a total pinfall of 2,730, the second-highest pinfall of the day, coming in behind Monmouth’s 2,848.

The Sunday tournament standings were calculated with total pinfall of the day rather than through the usual baker-style tournament due to concerns about weather and travel.

The Cornhuskers will return to the lanes next Friday through Sunday at the SFA Stormin’ Ladyjack Invitational in Houston, Texas.